The electric pickup market has been buzzing with promises, but few have delivered such a compelling blend of rugged capability and sophisticated road manners. The KGM Musso EV arrived on the scene, promising utility without the compromise. After spending significant time putting it through its paces—including some demanding mountain passes—it’s clear that this vehicle isn’t just keeping up with expectations; in many areas, it has exceeded them.
For a price point of currently £39,995, the Musso EV offers an exceptional package of features designed for modern life and professional demands alike.
Key Specifications at a Glance:
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Electric
Battery: 80kWh LFP Blade Technology
Payload Capacity: 690kg
Towing Capacity: 2,300kg
Utility & Capability: Built for the Job Site and Beyond
The feature list is impressive. You get comfortable power seats for both the driver and passenger, AWD grip, a significant payload capacity of 690kg, and towing capability up to 2,300kg.
Now, let’s talk reality. While this vehicle may not possess the sheer, unmatched brute force of a dedicated heavy-duty work truck, it positions itself perfectly in the premium lifestyle utility category. This isn’t a slight; for many tradespeople, small businesses, and professionals who require reliable transport for equipment but prioritize comfort on their commute home, this capacity is more than enough—and arguably, much better equipped.
Driving Dynamics: A Car Experience in an EV Utility Body
If I had to highlight one area where the Musso truly shines, it’s ride quality and handling. This was my biggest surprise. It doesn’t feel like a rugged utility vehicle; it feels like a supremely comfortable modern car. The sophisticated setup, particularly its fully independent rear suspension, is clearly responsible for this remarkable feeling.
I put it through the ultimate test on a trip from Swansea up to the winding mountain roads near Blaenavon. The Musso handled challenging S-bends with noticeable grace and confidence. It remained impressively flat and balanced throughout the journey, absorbing imperfections and keeping the occupants comfortable, a testament to its suspension tuning.
Performance & Efficiency: Numbers That Matter
In an electric vehicle review, performance must be judged by two metrics: efficiency and torque delivery. The Musso performs strongly on both counts.
Efficiency King
The most impressive number I recorded was during my dedicated eco test loop, where the car clocked an outstanding 4.6 miles/kWh. This is one of the strongest figures I have seen from any AWD electric pickup to date. Factoring in its robust 80kWh battery, this translates into a genuine road range exceeding 300 miles, giving users tremendous freedom.
Under normal mixed driving conditions, efficiency remained stellar, holding steady between 3.1 and 3.2 mph/kWh—putting it comfortably right on track with the combined WLTP rating. Furthermore, the use of LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) blade battery technology offers a reassuring layer of durability and longevity.
Power Delivery
The stated power output is 237bhp. While this number might appear modest when compared to gas-guzzling competitors, it’s crucial to understand that in the EV category, torque reigns supreme. The Musso delivers over an impressive 600Nm of torque. This level of instant, accessible torque is more than sufficient for confident acceleration, hauling cargo, and managing steep inclines without effort.
Areas for Improvement: Where the Polish Needs Work
While my overall impression was overwhelmingly positive, no vehicle is perfect. There were two primary areas where the Musso could use refinement.
1. Infotainment System: The system handles all the necessary functions navigation, media, climate control—but it feels decidedly clunky. It lacks a truly seamless or intuitive user experience. While the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is a massive plus, I was disappointed to find that both connections were limited to wired options only.
2. Suspension Versatility: The suspension tuning that provides such fantastic road comfort on tarmac may compromise its true off-road capability. It’s clearly optimized for the smooth motorway commute, but without a dedicated rough terrain test track, I worry about its ability to transition into severe, muddy, or rocky conditions. This is purely a speculative concern based on its superb street performance.
Final Verdict: A Highly Worthy Contender
Overall, I left the KGM Musso EV significantly more impressed than I anticipated. It successfully bridges the gap between dedicated work machinery and premium family SUV comfort, all while offering impressive electric efficiency. It represents a massive and welcome evolution over previous generations of Sangyong products.
If you are looking for an electrified pickup that refuses to compromise on daily usability, road manners, or overall value, the KGM Musso EV deserves your serious attention. It’s not just moving cargo; it’s delivering comfort right up to the job site.
